Monday, September 12, 2011

This past Wednesday I received a text from my brother in New York. It read, "Evacuations all over. 10,000 people in Broome County. Jen will lose her house. I couldn't get back because they evacuated my town."

On Thursday, another text from my brother, "R u watching the weather channel? This is bad."

From Jen, another text, "I was able to get all my animals and a few things. Few clothes. Not much. Dogs swam to the road behind me to the car. Water to my waist carrying the cats in carriers and the bird. I saved the things that mattered, I would die if I wasn't able to get them out."

And today from my brother, "Got 80% of jens stuff to the curb. House is a loss. 14 feet of water was in there. Foundation is cracked in 5 places. Trying to salvage only clothing and kitchen stuff. The deck i helped build is 200 yards down road leaning on someone's house. Basically every one from home depot in jc to dunkin donuts in endicott within 3 blocks of river got same damage."

Jen is my brothers best friend of 3+ years that feels like 20 ;) . In these hard economic times, my brother has been staying with her. They help each other, a lot. Now, because of the flood, he's staying with his dear friends of 27 years, Carla and Arnie. Amazing, loving friends, who are also having to pump water out of their own basement.

I love Jen.

I love Carla and Arnie.

I don't love how little this tragedy has been on the news, and how little people know what is presently going on.

So I am asking all of you to donate to the American Red Cross, Southern Tier Chapter, in an effort to help not only my family and friends, but also the thousands of people that have had to evacuate from the homes that they've loved for generations.

One thing that Jen had text me was that local news stations were stating how they had no loss of life. But there was loss... Over 100 animals perished inside of Petco, as well as family pets throughout the area. Jen is angry, and rightfully so. In her words, "Just because they are animals and don't have jobs, didn't make them less valuable to the people that Cherish them."

I'm sorry, Jen... I wish I was there to give you a hug.

I made these breakfast cookies today because they are hearty, filling, and quick to fix. If you are in a flood relief area, maybe you could make these, and distribute them to those in need of a meal. I plan on selling some and donating the funds to the Red Cross chapter in my family's area.

In a medium bowl combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, and baking soda. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mash the banana well with a fork or whisk. Add thepeanut butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix well.Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until justcombined. Stir in cinnamon chips and walnuts.

With an ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop out 12 equal portionsand place 2" apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, orsprayed with non-stick spray if you do not have parchment paper.

It's amazing how we are powerless against mother nature and anyone can be affected and devasted by it's force. Thankfully your brother and friends are safe. Hopefully they will be able to rise to the challenges and rebuild.

Man, what awful news. Things like this don't get enough attention nation-wide. Seems like people outside the area would want to help. Good for you for getting the word out! I'll definitely contribute what I Can!

Your blog site was posted on Fox News's Facebook page. I live in Owego, one of the hardest hit areas. Though my apartment was not affected, it's heartbreaking to drive through the village. Many people are still without power, a week later. Thank you for spreading the word. God Bless, :)

Thank you for thinking of all those folks up north. We are from Binghamton and our house we had there was flooded. 2 major floods since 2006 is more than enough. Wish I was up there to bake those cookies to donate. Instead we'll be sending funds to help out the new owners of our home.

Thanks so much for making this a priority to help people become aware of our devastation. I live in NY in one of the severely affected areas, but was so fortunate to have lived on higher ground. I have several family members who were not so lucky. I have been doing anything I can to help the community through this, but the truth of it all is, people lost everything and our community cannot to do it alone. The media has not brought much attention to this, which has been disheartening. Thank you for all that you're doing. NY appreciates you and all who have helped and continue to help!

I'm sorry your brother and friends were victims of the terrible flooding. I live in the Capitol region and was one of the lucky ones who did not get flooding or damage at my home, but I saw the devastation all around us. I hope the best for them in the testing time as I do for all the people with ruined homes.

Hey, very nice site. I came across this on Google, and I am stoked that I did. I will definitely be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table,but am just taking in as much info as I can at the moment. Thanks for sharing.